The U.S. federal government is taking steps to prohibit the importation and exportation of a tropical fish species that has long been exploited by the pet trade, as conservation groups have emphasized. The species in question is the Banggai cardinalfish, a small striped saltwater fish native to Indonesia. In 2016, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) classified the species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, citing its primary threats as being harvested for ornamental aquariums.
On Tuesday, the agency proposed applying restrictions under the Endangered Species Act, which would make it illegal to import or export the Banggai cardinalfish in the United States. This proposal comes in response to a 2021 petition from conservation groups who argue that the survival of the species depends on such a ban. The United States imports an average of 120,000 of these fish annually, according to members of these groups. They further note that the species has seen a decline of up to 90% since the 1990s due to exploitation in the aquarium trade.
D.J. Schubert, a wildlife biologist at the Animal Welfare Institute, stated, “Today’s proposal is the first step in eliminating the United States as a destination for Banggai cardinalfish and sending a clear signal to Indonesia that it must do more to conserve the species and its habitat.” The Banggai cardinalfish is among several species sought after for home aquariums and reef tanks in places like offices and restaurants, but it is native solely to the Banggai Archipelago in Indonesia.
Critics of the global tropical fish trade have characterized it as exceedingly challenging to monitor and regulate, highlighting its significant role in the decline of endangered species. Many of these fish do not survive from capture to exportation.
NOAA’s proposal to ban the trade of the Banggai cardinalfish aims to prevent further depletion of its wild populations. The agency also pointed out that the species suffers from a lack of protection and regulation in international trade.
NOAA intends to seek public input on its proposal and may hold a public hearing before issuing a final decision.
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